We’ve covered a lot of ground at GDB when it comes to working with clients, finding clients, pitching them on your services and then even delivering the results of your work to them effectively. But there’s one more scenario we need to focus on, and that is the moment when a potential client comes to your site looking around to find a way to get a hold of you. So how to convince them to reach out to you effectively? Or better yet,

Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, everybody wants to look like a polished pro. Most of us know the basics: always use a contract under promise and over deliver spend within your means never burn bridges But we’re all human, too, and sometimes we make mistakes no matter how hard we work to avoid them. Sometimes we don’t even realize we’ve made a mistake until we’re up the creek without a paddle. I’m here today to toss you a

All creative freelancers constantly need new and engaging tools to enhance their trade. Thanks to the advent of the smartphone and social media, photography is the visual medium that generally benefits you the most. Virtually every type of creative can find photography useful in some capacity. Freelance and web developers might need headshots or landscape imagery while artists might need professional photos of their work. With so much competition, these fields require the best tools to get new clients and be

Here’s an idea: people – including clients – are generally not bad, bitter, or overall evil. It’s just the circumstance that sometimes result in us – the freelancers – getting screwed during the process. I really believe this is true, and that there’s just a small number of genuinely crappy people out there who go into a business project with pure intention of screwing the other party. And unfortunately, there’s hardly any protection from those people. I mean, if someone

Running a freelance design business is one of the most fulfilling careers you can embark on. Think about it – you spend some time honing your design skills, and then use your skills to make an income, hopefully enough to support yourself full-time. And beyond doing work that you’re passionate about, you also have the luxury of working remotely from virtually anywhere in the world. Who wouldn’t love it right?! Mmm, I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but it

As creative freelancers and business owners, we all know written contracts are useful – no, necessary – when dealing with customers. After all, we’ve all been reading Graphic Design Blender, haven’t we? Whether it’s a $2,000 logo or a $20,000 web site, investing time and money on a service agreement is, as we’ve seen before, completely worthwhile. Why? It gives both parties an idea of how the relationship will be framed. It protects you in case the relationship breaks down.

I love direct mail. The fact that the world has gone digital just makes it even more relevant than ever. We’re so inundated with emails and Facebook and all the rest that holding a printed, crisp, personal letter has a new significance. It demands attention, shows care (after all, writing an email is so easy – but sending a letter actually takes some legwork), and is unique. I’ve used it to generate amazing returns for clients, and for our creative

Back in the early days of our creative marketing business, Clients from Hell was a gift from the universe. It kept me sane, reading all of those stories from fellow comrades in arms. Now, however, I have a much different take on that site and others like it. What I once saw as a safe haven of a website where I could cope with the “realities” of our industry I now see as a place packed with professionals who just

Most external links on this site are affiliate links. But we never recommend services or products we haven't personally used and loved. You can read more about our affiliate links here.

What’s going on here?

For years, Graphic Design Blender has been the #1 place freelancers and designers come for tips on building their business. We blog about working with clients, making more money, and living a life you love as a freelancer or entrepreneur.

To stay updated on the latest from GDB, subscribe for free via email (we'll even throw in a free copy of our ebook 10 Mistakes Designers Make with Clients as our way of saying "thank you.")

If you're new here, we've compiled a list of our favorite and most helpful posts. Give them a try by clicking here.